40 dead as Nigerian preacher TB Joshua’s church collapses
September 15, 2014 (KAMPALA) – At least 40 people have died and many others injured when an unfinished building belonging to the famous Nigerian preacher, TB Joshua, collapsed in Lagos.
“It’s now 40 dead,” said Ibrahim Farinloye, southwest coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with officials expressing fears the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
About 124 survivors were reportedly rescued alive from the rubbles of the building, which served as the guesthouse for foreign dignitaries and followers of TB Joshua, who leads the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
TB Joshua, dubbed “The Prophet”, has an almost fanatical following among Nigerians and across the world, attracted by his purported healing powers and prophecies, in which he preaches to thousands of followers every week.
The purported prophet, on his facebook page, confirmed that the building had indeed collapsed, but downplayed the number of casualties, saying most people inside the building were rescued.
SOUTH SUDAN COUP PROPHECY
TB Joshua gained prominence in South Sudan for his alleged prophecy of an imminent coup attempt against president Salva Kiir.
Officials representing the evangelist, however, later on denied that TB Joshua had prophesied about South Sudan in particular, but about a country close to Kenya whose leader was “being captured” in a bloody crisis which displaced many people.
South Sudan vice president, James Wani Igga visited Lagos after the 15 December crisis carrying a letter of thanks to the Nigerian preacher for the prophesy and offered him the role of a religious advisor to president Salva Kiir.
Igga, on his return from Nigeria, allegedly joked that while the rebels had Ngundeng (a Nuer prophet) to rely on, the leadership in Juba would also depend on TB Joshua for prophecies.
Many followers usually flock the West African country from around the world to seek spiritual guidance from the purported prophet.
(ST)